Standard Telephone Equipment (STE) Based Deployable Secure Communication System

ABSTRACT

Sensitive, Standard Telephone Equipment (STE) data is encapsulated into IP packets in a remotely deployed, secure communication system. The IP packets are addressed to a matching IP encapsulator/decapsulator device over the public Internet or other IP protocol network, that then passes it to a similar STE device over an ISDN link for decryption. The present invention is embodied in a system that provides secure Voice-Over-IP (VOIP), video and data network functionality in a single, small size deployable case, to a remote user. Most importantly, the embodiment allows for the routing of bulk encrypted (i.e., secure) data over a public network, e.g., the Internet.

The present application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/502,660, entitled “Encryption of Voice and Data in a Single Data Stream in a Deployable, Secure Communication System”, filed Sep. 15, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to computer and communication networks, and more specifically, to handling of encrypted data in a deployable communication system used to provide secure voice, video and data services to multiple remote users.

2. Background of Related Art

In 1970, the Secure Telephone Unit (STU-I) was developed, followed in 1975 by the STU-II, and finally in 1987 by the third generation STU-III.

The STU-III terminals are designed to operate as either an ordinary telephone or a secure instrument over a dial-up public switched telephone network (PSTN). The STU-III operates in full-duplex over a single telephone circuit using echo canceling modem technology. Typically, STU-IIIs come equipped with 2.4 and 4.8 kbps code-excited linear prediction (CELP) secure voice. Secure data can be transmitted at speeds of 2.4, 4.8 and 9.6 kbps, though data throughput between two STU-IIIs is only as great as the slowest STU-III.

A STU-III operates by taking an audio signal and digitizing it into a serial data stream, which is then mixed with a keying stream of data created by an internal ciphering algorithm. This mixed data is then passed through a COder-DECoder (CODEC) to convert it back to audio so it can be passed over the phone line. STU-IIIs also allow a serial data stream to pass through the phone and into the ciphering engine to allow its usage as an encrypted modem when not used for voice.

The keying stream is a polymorphic regenerating mathematic algorithm which takes an initialization key and mathematically morphs it into a bit stream pattern. The keying stream is created by the key generator, and is the heart of the STU-III. A portion of the keying stream is then mixed back into the original key, and the process is repeated. The result is a pseudo-random bit stream that if properly implemented is extremely difficult to decrypt. Even the most sophisticated cryptographic algorithm can be easily expressed in the form of a simple equation in Boolean algebra, with the initialization keys being used to define the initial key generator settings, and to provide morphing back to the equation.

While STU-III provides secure communications, audio quality was vastly improved with the development of purely digital Standard Telephone Equipment (STE) devices.

An STE device utilizes an ISDN digital telephone line connection. There is substantial improvement in voice quality using an STE as opposed to the STU-III used over analog telephone lines. Most STE devices are STU-III secure mode compatible with enhanced abilities including voice-recognition quality secure voice communication, and high-speed secure data transfers (up to 38.4 kbps for asynchronous or 128 kbps for synchronous data transfers). When connected to an analog telephone line, an STE unit will only support STU-III voice and data capabilities.

The STU-III and STE are quite useful in fixed use, i.e., in an office environment or perhaps carried to another location having access to analog or digital telephone line access. However, deployable, remote communications are also desirable.

FIG. 7 is a depiction of a conventional deployable secure communication system.

In particular, as shown in FIG. 7, a secure encryption STE 700 with suitable interface hardware is utilized to provide a connection path to a wireless connection to a similarly secure STE via a satellite antenna 914. In the conventional system of FIG. 7, an ISDN link is utilized between the STE 700 and a suitable satellite two-way communication transceiver and antenna 914.

In operation, voice data is encrypted by the STE 700, and transmitted in a secure environment over a physically secure satellite, e.g., an M4 INMARSAT satellite terminal 914.

It is vitally important that the STE 700 stay physically secured, to maximize protection of the information being passed thereover. Also, to further maximize protection of the information, the satellite terminal 914 is conventionally set up and maintained within a secure environment, and travels with the STE 700.

Conventional systems are typically physically large, e.g., the size of a van. More importantly, such conventional systems require all elements to be maintained in a secure environment, including the data transport system (e.g., satellite communication system) over which the data travels to another secure communications terminal. Such secure data transport systems are costly to install and maintain, and always run a risk of being compromised.

There is a need for a small, lightweight, easily portable and easily deployable communication system that is not only even more secure than conventional systems, but which also allows flexibility in use of non-secure data transport systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary deployable secure communication system utilizing a Standard Telephone Equipment (STE) device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a more detailed block diagram of the exemplary deployable secure communication system utilizing an STE device as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of another exemplary deployable secure communication system utilizing a Type 1 encryption device, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a more detailed block diagram of the exemplary deployable secure communication system shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 shows encrypted data encapsulated within an IP packet, in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows that the encrypted data encapsulated within an IP packet may be Voice over IP data (VoIP).

FIG. 7 is a depiction of a particular conventional deployable secure communication system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the principles of the present invention, a method of cloaking encrypted data from a Standard Telephone Equipment (STE) secure telephone comprises encapsulating an ISDN serial data stream of encrypted data received from a Standard Telephone Equipment (STE) secure telephone, into IP packets. The IP packets of encrypted data are transmitted on a public IP network.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, an STE-based secure communications device comprises a Standard Telephone Equipment (STE) device. A data stream is encrypted into an encrypted ISDN data stream. The encrypted ISDN data stream is IP encapsulated for transmission to another secure communications device using IP protocol. The IP encapsulated, encrypted ISDN data stream is routed over an Internet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Sensitive, STE-encrypted data is encapsulated into IP packets in a remotely deployed, secure communication system. The IP packets are addressed to an IP device that removes the encapsulated, encrypted data and passes it to a similar STE device for decryption. However, the IP encapsulated, encrypted data is passed over the public Internet, taking advantage of the wide availability and flexibility of the Internet.

In an additional embodiment, Type 1 encrypted data ciphered by a KIV device (e.g., a KIV-7) is utilized in place of the STE device.

In this way, encrypted data need not be maintained within a totally secure network transmission system, because it doesn't look like government encrypted data (i.e., it doesn't look like a STE or KIV encrypted signal). Rather, the encrypted data, being encapsulated in IP packets, looks just like any other commercial IP transmission from just about any other IP device. Thus, sensitive, encrypted data is made to appear as if it were any other commercial network data.

The present invention is embodied in a system that provides secure Voice-Over-IP (VOIP), video and data network functionality in a single, small size deployable case, to a remote user. While capable of secure communications, the disclosed system also provides communication capability (VOIP, video and/or data) in a non-secure manner if desired. Most importantly, the embodiment allows for the routing of bulk encrypted (i.e., secure) data over a public network, e.g., the Internet.

The disclosed deployable secure communications system can be deployed even at the most remote regions of the world where no other communication means are available, taking advantage of the satellite direct connection link, or (very importantly) in more developed regions that might include access to the Internet (e.g., in a hotel room, high speedx).

The disclosed deployable secure communications system can be deployed to provide a multitude of applications for remote users. Uses include emergency response, news reporting, public safety, drilling and mining operations, field surveys and other activities that require remote capabilities for video and data transmissions.

The system, once deployed and operational, offers access to the Internet or corporate network using a direct link via an Inmarsat M4 GAN network or ISDN terrestrial circuit. For those systems configured with a KIV-7 encryption device, access to the SIPRNET and other secure voice and data networks is possible. However, importantly, the disclosed deployable secure communication system also provides an access point for a direct link to a local enterprise network providing IP encapsulated information for transmission over a network such as the Internet. In this way, bulk encrypted data may be routed using an available link (e.g., a wired Ethernet port in a hotel room, high speed cable, etc.) Thus, secure data communications and/or voice-over-IP communications over the Internet are possible.

The disclosed deployable communication system provides a single user, or multiple users, remote secure access to a local enterprise network, and thus access to services conventionally provided only to direct connected users. Also, up to two simultaneous voice over IP calls may be established along with normal data connectivity via, e.g., a laptop computer.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary deployable secure communication system utilizing a Standard Telephone Equipment (STE) device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

In particular, as shown in FIG. 1, an STE 199 is deployed in a suitcase-sized portable case 112. The STE 199 communicates with an IP Encapsulator or serial data 204 over an ISDN connection. The IP encapsulated encrypted voice data is passed to an M4 Inmarsat satellite 914 utilizing, e.g., ISDN communications. Voice data, and/or non-voice data may alternatively be passed over an appropriate Ethernet line using TCP/IP protocols to the Internet 101.

FIG. 2 is a more detailed block diagram of the exemplary deployable secure communication system utilizing an STE device as shown in FIG. 1.

In particular, FIG. 2 shows that the IP Encapsulator of serial data 204 in the deployable communication system is formed by the use of both an IP Encapsulator 204 as well as a router 206.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of another exemplary deployable secure communication system utilizing a Type 1 encryption device, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

In particular, FIG. 3 shows a deployable communications module 112 including a secure encryption module, e.g., one built according to KIV-7 requirements, and an IP encapsulator of serial data 204. On the red, non-secure side of the deployable communications module 112, voice communications 110 and/or data communications such as from a laptop computer 111 or other digital device are provided with suitable interfaces.

The IP encapsulator 204 is a full-duplex device providing both IP encapsulation of encrypted synchronous serial RS-530 data emanating from the encryption unit 200, as well as IP decapsulation of IP data addressed to the IP address of the IP encapsulator 204 from a distant source, and passing the decapsulated, presumably encrypted data to the RS-530 synchronous serial data port of the encryption unit 200 for playback by the telephone 110 (if voice data) or receipt by the laptop computer 111 (if data destined for the computer).

The analog telephone 110 may interface with a standard 2-wire telephone loop. Alternatively, the telephone may be a digital telephone and be provided with an ISDN type digital subscriber link to the deployable communications module 112. The laptop computer may communicate with the deployable communications module 112 using a standard Ethernet 10baseT or 100baseT type network link.

On the black, or secure side, the disclosed deployable system includes an Inmarsat M4 terminal 114 providing a direct connection to an enterprise network via a satellite. The M4 Satellite terminal is, e.g., a Nera WorldCommunicator portable Inmarsat M4 satellite terminal, which is a portable Inmarsat M4 satellite terminal capable of providing 64 kbps ISDN connectivity to remote users. Additional features include a 3-panel antenna with RF transceiver; a wireless DECT 2.4 Ghz Handset; and a modem unit and battery pack.

The embodiment also provides an Ethernet direct connection to a local enterprise network, e.g., a hotel Ethernet network having direct access to the Internet, high speed cable, etc. Thus, when the deployable communication system is in the convenience of modern accommodations, such as in a hotel or other public place that provides an Ethernet link to the Internet, such services may be utilized without the need to set up the direct connection using the Inmarsat M4 terminal 114.

It is important to understand that this direct connection to the Internet is on the black side of the deployable communication system, thus bulk encrypted data (i.e., secure data) may be conveniently routed along the public Internet 101 to a desired destination. This saves bandwidth on the relevant satellite, and also battery power necessary to drive the satellite transceiver. It also simply provides secure communications while in a hotel room or similar public place, near a cable modem, etc.

FIG. 4 is a more detailed block diagram of the exemplary deployable secure communication system shown in FIG. 3.

In particular, as shown in FIG. 4, the deployable communications module 112 includes a black (encrypted, or secure) portion and a red (non-encrypted, or unsecure) portion.

The red portion includes a router 202, e.g., a Cisco 1751-V voice enabled modular access router. This router 202 includes one fast Ethernet (10/100BaseTX) port; Interface cards support either WIC or VIC modules; and it supports VoIP, VoFR, and VoATM connections.

The red portion also includes a suitable power supply such as the +5V, +12V and −12V power supply 212 shown in FIG. 4. The red components are shielded in a suitable RFI/EMI shielding preferably providing −40 dB to −60 dB of isolation. The compartment in which the red components sit may also be coated with a suitable RFI/EMI isolating coating.

The black portion includes a KIV-7 device 200 such as the KIV-7HSB shown in FIG. 4. The disclosed KIV-7HSB is a Mykotronx KIV-7 module is a standard compact, economical, high performance, and user-friendly COMSEC device, designed to meet users' needs for secure data communication links. Features of this unit include Commercial Off-the-shelf (COTS) Type I data encryption; KG-84/-84A/-84C interoperability; User-friendly menu-based operator interface; and Standard D-type rear-panel interface connectors.

The IP encapsulator 204 may be any suitable product that can invisibly encapsulate serial data (e.g., synchronous serial data from an RS-530 port) into IP packets addressed to another IP encapsulator 204 operating to de-encapsulate the same IP packets and pass the data back into a suitable serial data stream (e.g., an RS-530 data stream). Thus, the IP encapsulator 204, IP network, and receiving IP encapsulator operate invisibly as if the RS-530 data ports (sending and receiving) were plugged into one another. The product utilized in the disclosed embodiment is an IPTube-RS530 model that is commercially available from Engage Communication in Aptos, Calif.

The IP encapsulator 204 encapsulates encrypted data, and passes it either to an Ethernet port which may be wired directly to an Ethernet network having access to the Internet 101, or to a black-side router 206 (e.g., commercially available from CISCO). The router 206 includes an ISDN port (ISDN/BRI/ST) to link to the Inmarsat M4 terminal 114.

The KIV-7 preferably uses a serial RS-530 connection both on its red side to the red side router 202, as well as on the black side to connect to the IP encapsulator 204. The red side router 202 is suitably configured for operation with the KIV-7 encryption device 200.

The red side router 202 is configured to allow for transparent, automated operation for the user. All off-network traffic is routed via the serial port to the KIV-7HSB for bulk encryption. In addition, the voice ports are configured so that dialing a “9” (or any other string desired by the user) will result in off-network traffic and be routed to the distant end gateway.

The particularly IP encapsulator 204 used in the disclosed embodiments, the IPTube, allows acceptance of encrypted data. The clock in the IPTube is preferably tuned to match the RS-530 synchronous serial data output of the KIV-7HSB. In addition, it is further preferred that the IPTube allow for a dial-on-demand type feature so that the IP encapsulator 204 would be in an idle state until interesting traffic were presented.

The IP encapsulator 204 is configured so as to seek a specific distant end device and establish a dedicated tunnel therewith. The internal side of the IP encapsulator 204 is configured to seek a specific (distant end) IP address. The distant end device is configured to seek the opposite. Once located, the two IP encapsulators 204 communicate and establish the tunnel.

FIG. 5 depicts an IP packet encapsulating a payload of encrypted data 302 encrypted by an encryption unit such as the KIV-7. The IP packet 300 is addressed to another IP encapsulator also accessible to the relevant IP network, e.g., the Internet. The receiving IP encapsulator retrieves the encrypted data 302 from the IP packet, and converts it back to the appropriate serial data form (e.g., synchronous RS-530 data) and passes it on to its encryption unit (e.g., a KIV-7) for decryption.

FIG. 6 shows that the encapsulated encrypted data may be Voice over IP data (VoIP).

Referring back to FIG. 4, the laptop computer 111 a depicts in solid line a one-to-one connection into the red side router 202. In a dotted line depiction, multiple computing devices 111 a-111 b may be networked over a conventional Ethernet network 111 c, with the red side router 202 being a member of that Ethernet network 111 c.

Any computing device capable of an Ethernet connection may be implemented. In the disclosed embodiment, the laptop computers that were implemented were Panasonic Toughbooks™. Those laptop computers are ruggedized in that it is shock, dust, vibration and water resistant, making it a good choice for a deployable communication system. Additional features include design to MIL-STD-810F test procedures; and password security (Supervisor, User), “Access Key”.

The deployable communication system communicates over the Internet (considered black with respect to the bulk encrypted data passed through the Ethernet port of the IP encapsulator 204) with a suitable IP gateway (not shown). As long as both sides know the IP address of the other, and the IP encapsulator 204 is properly configured, communications will be enabled.

Both the red side router 202 and the black side router 206 are configured to maintain QOS. The link fragmentation and packet interleaving are preferably implemented to assure voice quality. PPP multilinking may be utilized to maximize performance.

Routing information is not passed through the KIV-7HSB 200. Rather, the black side router 206 provides the routing of the WAN link. The red side router 202 provides the routing information for the network traffic and is contained in the encrypted payload encapsulated by the IP encapsulator 204. This information is passed from red side router 202 to red side router of a receiving device.

The disclosed deployable communication system provides up to two simultaneous voice-over-IP calls along with normal data connectivity. Connectivity between the remote system and the enterprise network is provided by the Inmarsat M4 terminal, through connection to a terrestrial ISDN circuit, or by connection to a network or the Internet. Transmissions between the deployed system and enterprise network are encrypted and fully secure up through the Top Secret level through the use of a KIV-7 bulk encryption device.

The deployable communication system allows for routing of bulk encrypted data, a feature not available in any other deployable communication system employing a KIV-7 encryption device.

In the disclosed embodiment, commercial off the shelf (COTS) equipment is integrated at the board level into an outer case made of high quality plastics. The COTS (i.e., commercially available) equipment includes the Cisco 1751V router 202, the Cisco 801 router 206, the Engage Communications IPTube-RS-530 204, the KIV-7HSB encryption unit 200, the tri-volt power supply 212, the DC power supply 210, and a DC/AC inverter 208.

Individual components are preferably integrated in such a manner so as to provide separation between encrypted and non-encrypted data, and to ensure protection of the components. Additionally, the specific integration and configuration of the system allows for operation by simply deploying the M4 terminal and applying power. Ideally, the deployable communication system 112 can be powered by universal AC input or by 12 VDC from a vehicle cigarette lighter.

Data entering the deployable communication system 112 and destined for the enterprise network is routed by the red side router 202 and passed to the encryption unit 200 for encryption. Once encrypted, the data is then passed to the IP encapsulator (e.g., IPTube-RS530) 204, where it is encapsulated into IP packets and passed to the black side Cisco 801 Ethernet to ISDN router 206.

This data is then passed out of the ISDN port of the black side router 206, and on to the direct connection to the Inmarsat M4 Terminal 114, where it is transmitted to the enterprise network.

The deployable communication system 112 accomplishes two specific functions during transmission.

Firstly, an IPSEC tunnel is established between the black side router 206 and a gateway router at the receiving fixed enterprise. This provides privacy for the overall link. Moreover, and very importantly, it presents a commercial/civilian appearance to the transmitted encrypted signal.

Secondly, another tunnel is established between the deployed IP encapsulator 204 and another IP encapsulator at the fixed enterprise network (or other remote deployable, secure communications terminal).

With this second tunnel established, bulk encrypted data from a KIV-7 type encryption unit 200, which is normally non-routable, is importantly encapsulated in IP packets and routed to the distant end network.

Data encrypted by the KIV-7HSB encryption module 200 normally requires a dedicated, point-to-point circuit for communications to be successful. This is significant for two reasons.

First, through the use of the disclosed deployable communication system bulk encrypted data can be routed, thus making use of generic IP or network connections. Moreover, while the deployable communication system would normally be operated with a direct, one to one connection via the Inmarsat M4 Terminal 114, the process of encapsulating the bulk encrypted data into IP packets, and thus routing of the bulk encrypted data, allows for connecting the system into any network—or directly into the Internet via the Ethernet port made available at the output of the IP encapsulator 204.

Second, the unique signature of the government used Type 1 encryption is masked by the two separate tunnels and appears as normal commercially encrypted data, thus providing a level of cover to individual operators.

The deployable communications system preferably includes grounding incorporated into grounded AC Power, and is contained in a single deployable case. The disclosed deployable communication system measured about 17″×12″×5″ and weighed about 40 pounds, though other small measurements and light weight systems are within the scope of the present invention.

A universal front end accepts between 86-240 VAC and provides 24 volts DC to the on-board batteries and the DC/AC inverter. The inverter conditions the power and provides a stable 110 VAC output for the network components. In the event of commercial power loss, the on-board batteries are sufficient to support operations for the required minimum of 15 minutes and have been tested to operate in excess of 45 minutes. Operation of all system components in a hot standby mode has been demonstrated in excess of two hours. In the event the internal batteries are depleted prior to commercial power restoration, two external 12 volt car batteries can be jumper together and connected into the module for continued operation. This module is integrated into a custom roll-around case measuring 15″W×24″L×9″D and weighs about 72 lbs including batteries.

Preferably, expansion capabilities may be implemented to support additional users. Moreover, multiple connectivity may be provided by including flexible connection methods and speeds for voice, video and data services, including: a VSAT terminal, an ISDN terminal, an Inmarsat terminal, a conventional dial-up modem, and operate in either a secure or non-secure communications mode.

A single case deployable communications system in accordance with the principles of the present invention has particular application with the US military, federal, local and state agencies, disaster recovery agencies, public safety associations, news channels, and commercial enterprises, to name a few.

The disclosed deployable communication system preferably allows for operation “out of the box”, meaning the only component requiring removal is the M4 terminal. Moreover, the deployable communication system is preferably of a size and weight so as to be capable of transport on commercial aircraft as checked baggage.

The term ‘encryption’ as used herein and in the appended claims relates to a military grade disguising of data in a way intended for proper decryption only by an authorized receiving device.

The present invention is disclosed and described with respect to a KIV-7 encryption unit. The principles of IP encapsulation of encrypted data relate equally well to any type military grade encryption unit, e.g., a KIV-21.

While the invention has been described with reference to the exemplary embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will be able to make various modifications to the described embodiments of the invention without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A method of cloaking encrypted data from a Standard Telephone Equipment (STE) secure telephone, comprising: encapsulating an ISDN serial data stream of encrypted data received from a Standard Telephone Equipment (STE) secure telephone, into IP packets; and transmitting said IP packets of encrypted data on a public IP network. 2-27. (canceled) 